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An Ideal Antique Diamond Ring for Your Engagement

August 3rd, 2011 9:39 am

Diamonds remain to be one of the most sought-after possessions for they represent perfection, beauty, power, and wealth. Among all gemstones, a diamond is considered the most suitable particularly in engagements. An engagement ring is a piece of jewelry worn with much value.Many contemporary designs are all patterned after each other, and favor a simple style with clean edges featuring the center diamond. If she likes this general appearance, then your job becomes much easier, and you may well be able to surprise her with a typical contemporary setting and a beautiful diamond. However, many women’s styles run in a more unique, individual direction, and vintage jewelry is a favorite choice for this type of girl. But when you’re looking through antique style engagement rings, there’s a much larger variety of appearances to consider, and making the wrong choice could result in the terrible circumstance of your intended fiancee not liking the style of her engagement ring!

Antique, or “vintage”, engagement rings are procured in one of three ways, and each has their advantages and caveats. First, you may have access to a family heirloom jewelry piece that could serve as an engagement ring. In this case, you should be prepared to have a master jeweler clean, polish, and personalize it in some way to represent the uniqueness of your relationship. (You might upgrade the stone to a larger diamond, or add sidestones or gold detail around the shank of the ring.) Second, you may discover the perfect engagement ring from a source that sells actual antiques; estate jewelry resellers, pawn shops, and online retailers are a common source for these pieces. Finally, you might purchase a new engagement ring setting from a modern-day jewelry designer which is based on an antique style. This offers the convenience and quality of contemporary jewelry construction methods, with an appearance that matches your desired style of an earlier vintage. In this case, it’s most helpful to browse the selections of online jewelry vendors that offer jewelry customization options, so that your finished piece may still be “one of a kind”.

Antique jewelry, particularly of the art deco period, is often of a geometric nature, relying on various diamond shapes and cuts to achieve the desired visual effect. By using a square diamond shape, asscher diamond engagement rings in particular highlight the geometric aspect using tight angles and metalwork to emphasize corners and edges. These are often produced with a split shank, where the band of the ring splits into multiple strands to wrap around the center stone. Baguette or trilliant shaped sidestones may also be incorporated into a three-stone engagement ring for an even more dramatic effect.

If you’ve found an actual antique piece of jewelry to serve as an engagement ring, it’s critical that you have it carefully cleaned and reviewed by a jewelry craftsman to make sure that it’s still in good, stable condition. Some early jewelry construction methods were not as good at securing their diamonds in place in the setting, and active use may cause stones to pop out and get lost. Considering the investment required to purchase a diamond engagement setting, it’s definitely worthwhile to guard against any accidents by making sure the piece is in reliable condition. Also, if it was originally produced as a white gold ring, it will likely show a heavily worn surface that’s no longer white or shiny. This can be easily corrected by having a coating of rhodium applied, which most jewelry stores are capable of.

Your choice of engagement ring will ultimately serve as a lasting representation of your loving relationship with your future spouse, and will be treasured for a lifetime! Every ounce of research about various diamond traits, the “4 C’s”, and diamond settings will be fully worthwhile as you are able to enjoy seeing the pleasure with which your girlfriend receives the ring. Bridal jewelry is meant to last, and it’s up to you to make a regular habit of extending love, generosity, and respect to each other and enjoying the fruits of your relationship for years to come.

The Beautiful Company
has been an online jewellery retailer since 2003 providing high street quality jewellery at internet prices. Their low overheads are reflected in their prices but not the quality of their jewellery as all their gold and platinum items are hallmarked in the UK and the diamonds in their diamond rings are all available with certification. They also have a 30 day moneyback guarantee so you can be assured what ever you buy will be what you want or they will give you your money back. If you are planning to buy a wedding ring or a diamond engagement ring and are short of time many of their rings can be provided within 5 days.

Bridal Jewellery and Necklaces – Brides Shopping Guide

July 28th, 2011 3:12 am

A bridal necklace is a very important part of the wedding outfit as it can completely change the look of your dress. How to choose one for your wedding? Try on your bridal jewellery necklace with your entire ensemble, including headpiece and veil, if you’re wearing one. Then take a long, critical look.

You might want to consider not wearing a necklace if your dress is highly embellished with beads, lace or rhinestones. Try to avoid a look that’s too busy. Opt for a subtle hint of colour from pastel coloured stones.

Include traditional pearl bridal jewellery or family heirloom jewellery in your look. Why not borrow a necklace from your mother or favourite aunt or include gold jewellery or silver jewellery that belonged to a grandmother? This is less expensive than investing in bridal necklaces or designer jewellery.

Be sure your necklace compliments the style and cut of your dress. For a strapless dress, draw attention up to your face with a glittering choker. A solitaire or Y-necklace is great with a V-neck or bateau.

Coordinate your necklace jewellery for brides with the embellishments on your dress or headpiece. For sequin or crystal embellishments, choose diamonds, real or faux, as your budget allows. For beaded embellishments, choose pearls, again, real or faux.

Opt for an elegant look by wearing a simple but elegant tennis bracelet over long gloves with simple styling. Pearls will work well if you’re not wearing gloves.

Choose bridal jewellery earrings that coordinate with your necklace, hair style, headpiece and face shape.

Don’t forget the back view. Since so many bridal dresses have low or even plunging backs, it’s important to accessories with a necklace that enhances both the front and the back of the neck with a cascade of crystals and pearls.

BridalJewelleryBoutique.co.uk is an online bridal jewellery and wedding accessory boutique retailing in quality couture jewellery and accessories for the discerning, fashion conscious bride. Our intention is to provide our customers with stylish sophistication with accessories ranging from bold vintage inspired pieces to contemporary, elegant jewellery. We have many years’experience in the wedding fashion industry and pride ourselves on our speedyand efficient service which we hope will make your online shopping experience as pleasurable as possible!